Lots Of Good Shells To Shell Out For

Q. What would you suggest for a shell layer for mountaineering in the Cascades?

Ken Sands

Gear Guy: Ah, the infamous “one shell” question. As in: “What’s the best all-around shell for (put activity here: hiking, climbing, changing oil, sex, formal dinners).” But yours is relatively straightforward. You know it’s going be wet, you want something durable, and you don’t want it to be too heavy. So, here ya go:

First choice: Patagonia Triolet ($335). Well-designed, durable jacket with Patagonia’s proprietary waterproof/breathable coating. Second choice: Moonstone Momentum Tech Jacket ($340). A 3-ply Gore-Tex jacket that’s durable and lightweight. I like Moonstone’s designs a lot. Third choice: Lowe Alpine’s Alpine Flash Jacket ($299). Another proprietary fabric (Triple-Point Ceramic) in an exceptionally well-designed piece.

I’d also look at L.L. Bean’s superbly priced Gore-Tex Mountain Guide ($209) and the Marmot Thunderlight ($350), both 3-ply Gore-Tex (which I prefer).

Maybe we’ll run into each other up there this summer.

Q. I’m looking for the perfect shock system for my specialized rockhopper. I have a low budget (under $300) but I don’t want something that will break under general 10-mile-a-day abuse. What do you suggest?

Peter W.

Gear Guy: Not even hard. Put a Rock Shox Indy XC fork up front. This is a well-priced ($190) fork that uses both coil springs and urethane for an above-average ride that should prove plenty durable. Then, cushion your hind end with a USE Shok Post seatpost ($135). True, we’re a few bucks over $300, but you now have a full-suspension bike for the price of many front-spring-only bikes. If you want to go front-suspension only, check out either the Rock Shox Judy XC ($290) or Manitour Pro ($240).

Q. I was wondering if in summer you use any “ski poles” to hike with? Is there much advantage in using them? And what types of terrain would they be useful for?

Jon Bennett

Gear Guy: Yes, nowadays I do use them - nearly all the time. I find that they help with balance on the trail and on tricky stream crossings; they reduce fatigue by making your arms do some of the work; and they go a long way toward protecting ankles and knees on descents. I’ll take poles just about anywhere, save for steep, rocky scrambling or dense bush-whacking.

I use Leki Sport Swiss Lawisond poles ($110), a two-section pole that converts to an avalanche probe. Perhaps more handy for general hiking and backpacking is Leki Sport’s Super Trekker ($110), a three-section pole that telescopes down to 25 inches in length. REI has a good buy in their three-section Trekking Poles - just $60.

Try some poles on your next hike; I really think you’ll like them.

xxxx